Aug 30, 2025
Great afternoon off Tairoa Heads - Got up close and personal with Bullers and Royal Southern albatross. Big swells at the heads but loved that. Expert but relaxed boat piloting and commentary.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 4, 2025
A fabulous afternoon! - This was the one hour experience and we had the calmest, and sunniest day. We saw heaps of albatross and the crew was very knowledgeable and made sure we all got to see everything. The commentary from the skipper was brilliant, so much information and some humour. There were binoculars provided and big jackets and it was such a pleasurable trip. We had biked out to Wellers rock from Dunedin and after the tour we were able to put our bikes onto the boat for the trip back into town. We were offered hot drinks and even had some free savouries!
It was a fabulous afternoon and would happily do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 15, 2025
Beautiful boat trip - Was amazing the tour guide was fantastic the staff were also helpful and friendly. Lovely wee shop on board. Definitely recommend
Review provided by Viator
Jul 15, 2025
Amazing Albatrosses - Amidst the foggy atmosphere, we saw several cormorants and albatrosses. A couple of furseals were napping on the rocks and one furseal approached a fisherman hoping to share the fish feast. The blue penguins were swimming, so we were not able to appreciate its magnificence fully. The most important thing is to know that species are protected in this area because biodiversity is declining all over the world and we must do all we can to protect and stop destroying habitats.
Nigel and Dan were very knowledgeable and friendly skippers and wildlife guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 15, 2025
Relaxing boat ride with knowledgeable and friendly skippers. - The views from the boat were mystical, and the wildlife was easily spotted with the binoculars and the warmth of cozy jackets provided.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 2, 2025
An OUTSTADING trip with an OUTSTANDING Skipper! - OUTSTANDING IN EVERY WAY!
This one-hour cruise out of Otago Harbour and into the Pacific Roaring 40s is worth every dollar and more. I first went in May 25 and enjoyed the experience so much that I just had to squeeze in another trip before leaving New Zealand.
The Skipper Nigel was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, birdlife and Sealife that we observed on both occasions. His warm manner and excellent commentary as he pointed out the various birds swooping around us certainly helped to ensure that both experiences were unforgettable!
On the first trip, we were fortunate enough to spot the Northern Royal Albatross, some of which nest on the Otago headland. We also saw the rarer Southern Royal, White-Crowned, and were treated to a special visit from a Buller's Albatross that landed at the stern of our vessel.
During the second trip, although the White Crowned and Southern Royal were absent, the inclusion of Giant and Cape Petrels, plus outstanding views of Fur Seals, added to the value of the trip. You will of course see much more than Petrels and Albatross as you will be surrounded by Shags, Red Billed Gulls and White Fronted Terns to name just a few.
If you forget to take your binoculars, the crew will kindly provide a pair. Whether you want to see the wildlife, the coast or just enjoy a short trip with the friendly, knowledgeable crew, this is an OUTSTANDING trip that represents great value and should not be missed!
Thank you to everyone at Monarch for making this trip so very special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 12, 2025
Nice cruise and great albatross viewing - Always a nice short cruise out to see albatross, cormorants and other seabirds and fur seals - and if you are lucky other very cool wildlife passing through too. The boat is great and the captain knows how to maneuver so it keeps passenger as happy as possible (both for viewing wildlife and avoiding seasickness :) The crew is also always nice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 5, 2025
Great staff, amazing experience. - Unfortunately the boat usually used is still being repaired so we were asked to change our schedule from Saturday 3rd May from 2:30pm to 1pm a few days prior to sailing. This was not possible as we were travelling down to Dunedin from Christchurch, so we re-arranged for 1pm on Monday 5th May. The captain of the small boat and the guide were friendly and welcoming. We had an amazing time. We saw a sealion, fur lion, shags, albatross, penguin and the most amazing display from the fish - never seen anything like it before and I've been on numerous boat trips. Toilet on the boat and somewhere to store your gear. Binoculars and warm coats are available for you to use. Would recommend and would go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 15, 2025
Overall good wildlife cruise - Good cruise to spot some wildlife. Saw a few albatross both flying and perched. Was lucky to see three albatross, said to be teenagers, greeting and displaying to each other. Was pleased to distinguish both northern and southern royal albatross. Saw a Blue Penguin at close range and a few fur seal lounging on the rocks. Did not see either seals or dolphins in the water. Vessel is good and skipper did attempt to give all passengers a view of wildlife. 4 star review rather than 5 as would have liked more interesting ecological information about wildlife that we were seeing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 16, 2025
If you have just a day or 2 in Dunedin, this is not the best use of your time. - The day was mostly spent on curvy roads in a bus, with stops at: a penguin preserve, which allowed a glimpse of the yellow eyed penguins in very dirty/smelly conditions, a visit to see blue penguins which we saw a tiny glimpse of just one in a box (they are nocturnal) from a distance, sea lions but at a very far distance (200 yards or more) and in very controlled conditions, and a short boat ride in the choppiest of waters which left everyone feeling rather sea sick. We didn't see much on the boat (although an albatross did come to visit us) because the conditions were so bad, and the right thing would have been to refund our money. We spent hours on the tour and were never offered a drink of water but were left to our own for 20 minutes if we wanted to buy something to eat or drink. The views of Otago Peninsula were beautiful but I just can't recommend this trip. Our guide was Danny and he was very nice but couldn't possibly make up for what was lacking on this "wildlife cruise".
Review provided by Tripadvisor
